Vampirella #8 is part 2 of a secondary story arc that started in issue #7. This is has been kind of like an “interlude” in the middle of the main story arc, although it’s all interconnected and a few of the established plot threads are pushed along a little as well.
One of those plot threads shows up on the first two pages of this book where it is confirmed that Victory has developed a romantic interest in Benny and her relationship with Vampi is all but finished. I’ve suspected this was coming for a while as it’s been heavily hinted at. Plus we saw Victory holding a sign with Benny’s name at the airport in the Free Comic Book Day issue, apparently unaware of the plane’s unfortunate fate. Page 2 of this issue is a splash page by Ergun Gunduz which shows the sign on her bed.
The rest of the book follows Benny and Vampirella’s escapades in Tortolla where Benny is still being held captive by some sort of native cult. Vampirella meanwhile finds herself waking up on what appears to be Drakulon. Of course it ends up being an illusion or hallucination caused by the plant-like creatures that ensnared her at the end of issue #7. This reminds me of the classic Alan Moore Superman story “For the Man Who Has Everything.” Check it out- it’s a classic.
Vampirella is able to break free but finds Leger under their influence. She’s able to snap him out of it by biting him, after which they embrace each other with a kiss. I’m glad to see Vampirella finally showing some interest in men again, but this kind of came out of nowhere. They just met last issue and I didn’t pick up any romantic vibes, but ok. After this, Vampirella arrives just in time to save Benny and they depart Tortolla. It looks like the next issue will finally bring us to the point where Vampirella and Benny are on the doomed flight, so it should be very interesting from there. So far we’ve known that we were building up to that, but don’t know much about what happens after that point.
This was yet another solid issue from Christopher Priest. I sound like a broken record, but I’ve very much enjoyed every issue of this book so far. Aside from the first two pages by Gunduz, this issue was drawn entirely by Giovanni Timpano who also worked on issue #7. I really like the way he draws Vampirella so I’d love to see him do more work with the character in the future. I assume Gunduz will go back to full art duties now that the Tortolla story is complete.
Issue #9 will be out in a few weeks and a lot of this build-up should pay off, so be sure to pick it up!
‘Vampirella meanwhile finds herself waking up on what appears to be Drakulon. Of course it ends up being an illusion or hallucination caused by the plant-like creatures that ensnared her at the end of issue #7. This reminds me of the classic Alan Moore Superman story “For the Man Who Has Everything.” Check it out- it’s a classic.’
Exactly what I thought, as soon as I read that! 🙂 Very much looking forward to picking up the trade of this.
Btw, love that illustration at the top.